Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Subtle upgrades, greater power

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may seem familiar at first glance, echoing the design elements of its predecessors, which might leave some users yearning for a more radical transformation. However, while the outer appearance remains largely unchanged, the real story unfolds once you delve into the device's functionality. With a built-in privacy screen, an advanced processor, and several enhancements in Galaxy AI, this flagship device offers much more than just a sophisticated exterior. After testing the Galaxy S26 Ultra extensively, it’s clear that it stands as a testament to power, privacy, and productivity—ideal for users who value efficiency. Whether managing multiple tasks or exploring the capabilities of its upgraded camera system, the S26 Ultra is designed with the modern professional in mind. Let’s explore the features that make this smartphone worthy of consideration. **Design: Familiar Yet Refined** In terms of design, the Galaxy S26 Ultra adopts a cautious approach, avoiding significant changes from its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The notable updates include a return to an Armour Aluminium frame, replacing the previously used titanium, and a slimmer profile, reducing thickness from 8.2mm to 7.9mm while also shedding 4 grams to weigh in at 214 grams. These subtle modifications contribute to a more comfortable grip. Additionally, the device’s corners are slightly more rounded, and the matte finish on the rear adds a touch of elegance. While the quad-camera setup has seen minor adjustments, it remains a reliable feature. The phone's slippery nature without a case might be a concern, but its sturdy construction, coupled with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, provides peace of mind. Samsung has also introduced new color options, including Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, and White, along with exclusive hues like Silver Shadow and Pink Gold available online. Our review unit in Cobalt Violet exudes a premium feel that could appeal to many users. **Display: Enhanced Privacy Technology** The Galaxy S26 Ultra showcases a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X flat display, boasting a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness that can reach 3000 nits. What sets this display apart is its innovative built-in privacy screen technology, which prevents prying eyes from viewing the screen from side angles while remaining clear for the user directly in front. This technology cleverly combines hardware and software to intelligently manage light distribution across pixels. Moreover, users can customize privacy settings for notifications and app-specific pop-ups, making the privacy features highly adaptable. The display remains vibrant, delivering excellent visuals, though users may need to increase brightness slightly when privacy mode is active. **Performance: Unmatched Power and Efficiency** Underneath its sleek exterior, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and offers configurations with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, alongside up to 1TB of internal storage. This powerhouse ensures exceptional performance across demanding applications, whether gaming or multitasking. During our testing, the phone handled high-end gaming seamlessly, providing smooth frame rates without lag. Even during intense gaming sessions, the device maintained performance, although slight heat was noticeable after extended use. The software, running One UI 8.5 based on Android 16, incorporates advanced AI features, enhancing the user experience significantly. **Camera Capabilities: Consistency with Minor Upgrades** The camera system on the Galaxy S26 Ultra continues to impress with a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and dual telephoto lenses. While the hardware remains similar to the previous model, the main lens now features a wider aperture for improved low-light performance. In practice, the camera excels in daylight conditions, capturing vibrant and accurate images. However, the portrait mode may require refinement, as it sometimes struggles with focus in group shots. The device lacks a dedicated Night mode, relying instead on automatic adjustments in low light, yet it still produces sharp and colorful images. **Battery Life and Charging** Retaining a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy S26 Ultra impresses with extended battery life, offering around 16 hours of screen time on a single charge. Samsung has also upgraded charging speeds to 60W, allowing the device to fully charge in about 45 minutes. **Conclusion: A Compelling Choice for Professionals** The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra stands out as one of the most polished flagships available this year, offering a balance of performance, display quality, and innovative privacy features. While it doesn’t represent a dramatic overhaul, it refines the winning elements of its predecessor effectively. The enhancements in AI capabilities and battery performance further bolster its appeal. For professionals seeking a device that prioritizes power, productivity, and privacy, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, priced at Rs 1,39,999, is a top contender in the Android smartphone market.